(SOLD) This is an early 1950s Sheaffer Snorkel Statesman fountain pen in Black with a Medium nib. The pen comes in the original box and the nib size sticker still on the section. As far as I could tell, this pen was unused when I received it, but I cannot guarantee it, so I am not selling it as a new-old-stock item. I did restore the pen, however, so it's ready to write when you receive it. Restoration involved a complete disassembly, a thorough cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand).

Sheaffer Snorkel Statesman, Black, M, Boxed

The quote I wrote comes from a Sheaffer advertisement, and I believe the Iowa company was correct in claiming that the Snorkel instantly fills and adds character to your handwriting.

The Snorkel filling mechanism is widely regarded as the most technologically advanced "self-filling" system. Indeed, it is an incredibly efficient and convenient mechanism, which allows you to ink up your pen in a "dunk-free" process, with one swift downward stroke of the plunger. The mechanism is reliable and so much fun to use. A lot of fountain pen collectors firmly believe that the Snorkel was the pinnacle of the "fountain pen as a writing instrument" type of design. Beginning in the 1960s, pens gradually moved into the luxury goods segment of the market, based on a design philosophy that prioritizes features other than performance.

The Triumph nib is an incredibly advanced ink delivery system, as well. It is design to be very easy to use and versatile. Whether you're writing with a wet ink or dry ink, on good paper or poor paper, with a light hand or heavy hand, the pen delivers impressive writing performance and adds character to your handwriting. The nib is easy to maneuver and control, which facilities good letter forms and a flowing style. A real pleasure to write with! If you've never tried the Triumph nib, this is a great opportunity to do so.

The nib is made of palladium silver (a similar material to Visconti's modern Dreamtouch) and writes a generous Medium line. By modern standards, I'd probably rank this line as a medium-fine, but the pen sold as an M. The nib is firm but does not feel like a "nail," thanks to the properties of the alloy and the geometry of the writing surface.

Sheaffer Snorkel Statesman, Black, M, Boxed, capped

Cosmetically, the pen is as close to new-old-stock as it gets. There are no flaws or defects. The plastic is deep, rich, and smooth. The gold-filled trim is excellent. The imprint is strong. The pen comes stickered boxed.